HUNT VALLEY, Md., Oct 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- AAI, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the U.S. Army has awarded the company a $70.7 million contract for laser designator kits, which will be integrated onto the Army's and Marine Corps' Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems. AAI is contracted to deliver 142 laser designator payloads and 61 boresight tools.
A Shadow aircraft outfitted with this new payload can designate targets for laser-guided weapons. This capability acts as a force multiplier and increases a commander's tactical options.
"Laser designation capability enables Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems to play an even larger role for our customers in the field," explains Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. "We are constantly on the lookout for enhancements such as this to help warfighters accomplish missions decisively and safely."
AAI expects deliveries to begin in 2011, and to run through 2012.
About AAI
AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry-leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at http://www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at http://www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at http://www.textron.com.
AAI and design is a registered trademark of AAI Corporation.
Shadow is a registered trademark of AAI Corporation.
Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: (a) changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; (b) the interruption of production at Textron facilities or at Textron's customers or suppliers; (c) changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism; (d) our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; (e) the U.S. Government's ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with us for the U.S. Government's convenience or for our failure to perform, to change applicable procurement and accounting policies, and, under certain circumstances, to suspend or debar us as a contractor eligible to receive future contract awards; (f) changes in delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; and (g) legislative or regulatory actions impacting defense operations.
SOURCE: Textron Inc.
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